Pertussis – development of a neonatal pertussis vaccine

Pertussis (whooping cough), is a respiratory disease of young children that causes hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Although vaccines are available, recent global epidemics highlight the need for more effective vaccines.

Researchers at VIDO-InterVac have developed a novel vaccine that includes a recombinant pertussis antigens and proprietary combination adjuvant. This vaccine proven effective in preclinical animal studies, resulted in an improved immune response after a single immunization in neonates.

Current research is focused on optimizing the vaccine for use in infants, combining it with other vaccines, and combining this approach with maternal immunization.